My essentials: Sara Stanoeska’s cultural picks

About  

A self-taught artist working across both digital and traditional media. With a professional background in graphic design and illustration, my portfolio includes work on book and board game illustrations, concept art, and a range of marketing and promotional materials. Currently developing my own illustrated tarot deck, which is slated for publication next year. A collection of my digital paintings will be on display from 4 May at Kunċett, 51 Strait St, Valletta.

Book

The Secret History by Donna Tart is an immersive, morally absurd story of murder, with a semi-reliable narrator, that I thoroughly enjoyed pondering and decoding.

I've always been drawn to mystery novels, and this book definitely scratches that itch, while adding a whole new layer of complexity and curiosity through thoroughly well-written characters that you just love to analyse. I don't recommend it if you want to be left with peace of mind.

Film 

I consider Sinners to be the best film that’s come out in the past three years or so.

Even as someone who is not a fan of horror as a genre, the elements of it in this film definitely serve as metaphors driving the storyline and message of the film.

There are so many layers to dive into, as it delves deep into social, religious and historical commentary on the topics of race, slavery, Christianity, and capitalism. Just an overall feast for thought.

Internet and TV 

For the past couple of years, I've been really enjoying Lucas Jones' poetry that I've discovered through Instagram (@lucassjoness). I find the way he plays with words, and the messages he conveys through them a truly unique way to touch the hearts of viewers who care about the world, about others, about art.

I recommend it to everyone, even the non-poetry fans.

Music 

Hozier is an artist whose music truly encapsulates my taste. He's been my favourite for over 10 years now, and his album Wasteland, Baby! is one I always come back to.

I just love how he interweaves metaphors of Armageddon, heart wrenching stories of romance, and voicing political rebellion all at the same time, and produces it into such striking, yet catchy melodies.

Seeing him live has been one of my favourite music-related experiences so far.

Place 

Scotland is definitely the place that has captivated me the most.

It is somewhere that feels like a part of my soul, and I wouldn't mind revisiting many times over. All the gorgeous intricate details of Edinburgh, the stunning nature of the Highlands, the bustling streets of Glasgow and the excitement I associate with all the concerts I saw there just make it super special to me. I would love to get the chance to visit Ireland next.